What is MAT?
Medication assisted treatment is a scientifically proven substance use disorder recovery option for those struggling with opioid or alcohol use disorders. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and other behavioral therapies for well-rounded recovery. MAT benefits include:
MAT medications act on brain receptors to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This gives a more stable foundation to focus on recovery. With this support, it’s easier to get through the hardest stages of withdrawal and take part in counseling and other services that build long-term success.
How our MAT team works
Your care team will create a personalized MAT plan to help you recover from addiction. Your plan will account for your unique challenges, opportunities, and goals. Treatment paths vary, but the process typically includes the following:
Getting started and stabilization
We can often start treating you for opioid addiction or alcohol use the same day you call us. We'll begin by discussing your substance use, how it's been impacting your life, and what that means for your treatment plan. Before starting medication, we'll also do a urine screen.
For the first 48 hours of care, your team will focus on easing withdrawal symptoms and adjusting your medications as needed. During this time, care team members will check in with you often—at the center and outside of appointment times—to support your comfort and safety.
Ongoing medical support
Once you’re feeling better, you’ll meet with members of your care team who each support a different part of your recovery. During this phase, your care may include:
- Ongoing visits with addiction-medicine providers
- Regular urine screenings to ensure accountability and safety
- Access to same-day appointments if issues arise
We have special support plans to help patients return to care if they experience a relapse. If you return to use, our team is always here with compassion and without judgment.
Mental health care
Mental health services are a critical part of MAT programs. Medication can help you, but to help break the addiction cycle, you have to face what’s behind your substance use. Individual behavioral therapy explores root causes and offers healthy coping tools.
We also provide group counseling for peer support and shared recovery. Group counseling sessions give you the opportunity to learn from others' experiences with addiction. You can tell your own story in a safe setting and form lasting social connections.
Case management
You’ll also work with expert case managers during your time at BrightView. They can help you find housing, employment, and social opportunities in your community for a more well-rounded recovery.
With this coordinated support network, you always have access to comprehensive care, which is key to our patients’ recovery success.
You deserve to feel better, and we’re here to help. Take the first step today. Find a BrightView location near you and schedule your visit today.
Treatment medications
BrightView uses several FDA-approved medications as part of our MAT services. What we prescribe to you depends on the nature of your addiction. To learn more, reach out to one of our team members today at 888.501.9865. They will listen to your story, help you find a local treatment center, and answer your initial medication questions.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
A first-line option that controls cravings with lower overdose risk
Methadone
Appropriate when buprenorphine is ineffective or unavailable; requires daily clinic dosing
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
A monthly injection option that blocks opioid effects; best for patients after past acute withdrawal symptoms
Acamprosate (Campral)
Helps restore brain balance disrupted by alcohol addiction
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Creates an adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed; best for highly motivated patients
Sublocade
A monthly injection that controls cravings and is suitable for patients already taking buprenorphine.
Common myths about MAT
Some patients worry about medication assisted treatment based on misinformation they’ve received. Here are some common myths you may have heard about MAT:
Myth 1: "It's just replacing one drug with another"
It’s important to know that MAT medications work differently from drugs or alcohol. They help balance your brain, lower the chance of relapse, and don’t cause a “high.” These medications attach to the same parts of the brain that alcohol or opioids do, which helps your brain recover. For many people, this provides a safe and gradual path to living substance-free.
Myth 2: "MAT is a short-term fix"
Medication assisted treatment isn’t just a short-term fix. It’s a safe and effective option that can be used as long as needed, similar to medication for other health conditions. Some patients benefit from long-term use, while for others, it’s a helpful step toward long-term recovery.
Myth 3: "Recovery isn't real with MAT"
This is false. Research shows that MAT patients are more likely to stay in recovery and less likely to overdose. That makes medication assisted treatment one of the most effective tools for managing a substance use disorder. When combined with counseling and social support, it can help patients build the foundation for lasting recovery.
Ready to begin?
Substance use disorder is a challenging condition that can be hard to address on your own. If you or a loved one is experiencing SUD, there will never be a better time than now to take action. And BrightView is here to help you do it.
We will direct you toward a personalized MAT program in your area and support you every step of the way. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, our team is standing by to help you move forward. Call 888.501.9865 today.
Don’t wait to get help with addiction. Find your nearest BrightView location and schedule today to start your journey toward lasting recovery.
FAQs about MAT
Yes, most patients can continue their daily routines once they're stable on their new medication. As you adjust, you may have to take a few days off from work, driving, and other activities.
You should call your care team as soon as you realize you've missed a dose. Don't double up on your medication.
Yes, medications like buprenorphine and methadone are safe and effective for pregnant patients. They help with withdrawal symptoms, reducing risks and complications for mother and baby.
If you are or become pregnant, please let us know immediately so that we can support you.
Yes. Always let your care team know about all medications you're taking before starting MAT. Some can interact negatively with your MAT medication. We can’t prevent this unless we know about all the medications involved. You should also avoid mixing opioid use disorder medications with sedatives or alcohol.
Your care team will work with you to decide if tapering off medications is the right step for you. MAT medications are safe for long-term use, and for some patients, continuing them is the best option. Whether your goal is to stay on medication or gradually stop, your team will support you every step of the way.
Cost is one of the main concerns people have before starting medication assisted treatment. But MAT may be more affordable than you think. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover MAT. Depending on your policy, insurance may pay up to 100% of the price of treatment.
Our team can check your insurance before your first visit, so you’ll know what to expect. We offer affordable self-pay rates if you don't have insurance. Call at 888.501.9865 to discuss insurance and payment options.
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